In that zone again: Boss stays calm to execute the perfect plan

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For a man carrying the pressure of a nation, Glen Boss walked
into Flemington racecourse yesterday remarkably calm.

Makybe Diva's bid for a third consecutive Melbourne Cup rested
firmly in the hands of the jockey with a love for his horse. But
despite riding the favourite in the biggest sporting event in the
country, Boss said he never doubted Makybe Diva would win, for "I
was in that zone again".

"All I had to do was think of the two lines [trainer] Lee
Freedman says to me every time I ride her," he said. "It's pretty
easy to remember: Sharp mind. Cool head. There was nothing to
it."

Mindful of the historic feat he and Makybe Diva were on the
verge of creating, Boss said - after letting the elation of the
pair's third Cup win settle in - that "I couldn't believe how
relaxed I was today". "The build-up over the past week has been
intense, she's a public horse. Everyone loves her. But I was
feeling at ease with myself."

Just like in the previous two Cup triumphs, Boss went out to
ride his own race on the Tony Santic-owned seven-year-old.

"It was a case of deja vu, for sure," he said. "You just
couldn't believe you could get three runs in a Melbourne Cup like
I've experienced over the last three years."

Boss said he had a discussion with Freedman on Monday night,
with race tactics being the major topic.

"Lee wanted her out and in the clear but I said my plan was to
get as close to the fence as possible [from gate 14]," he said. "He
thought about it and then said, 'Well, you are a lucky bastard,
just go out and do your thing'."

And that's what Boss did, with the plan working to
perfection.

"I got to the fence, exactly where I wanted to be, just behind
midfield," Boss said. "And she travelled sweetly. She got a good
run through. All Lee really wanted was for me to get her to the
middle of the track coming to the turn, so that's what I did. As
soon as she was clear she had them covered. She was just too good
for them."

Boss said the Cup transpired as if "it was meant to be, just
like a dream". "I knew in my heart she would win," he said. "She
was better this week than she was going into the Cox Plate."

And with Makybe Diva destined for the retirement paddock, Boss,
who in addition to the three Melbourne Cups has won the Cox Plate,
Sydney Cup, The BMW and Australian Cup, wasn't begrudging Santic's
decision to end her spectacular career.

"Makybe Diva owes me nothing, I owe her plenty," he said. "I'm
glad Tony retired her after that performance. It can't get any
better. It was the greatest way for her to go out."